Oh man I’m thrilled. I’ve gotten comfortable flying the Cheyenne and took it out again today. Jeff and I worked on CRM, standard and impromptu holds with the GTN 750, crosswind takeoffs and landings, and short field takeoffs.
The airplane is very controllable, but you must be vigilant with power and drag control. In a descent, for example, you may roll the power back and descend for a new altitude. On leveling off, either power back up to cruise or power up to your new reduced airspeed. Just don’t forget to add power or the airspeed will bleed quickly at the bottom.
In the case of preparing for an instrument approach, you may end up slowing down, going down, and dirtying up the aircraft at the same time. VFR or IFR you absolutely must keep your scan going and scan your speed as it slows. It isn’t hard to do, but the drag in this bird has a pronounced effect versus my Twin Comanche. The power of these engines is as impressive as it’s ability to rapidly slow down.
If you are high on your landing profile, for example, reducing power below a certain torque level will slow the aircraft dramatically as the props flatten in response. You will lean forward into your seat belt doing this, so I’ll have to avoid that with passengers aboard. The sudden drag is impressive and incredibly useful, however.
Once we got back from flying, Jeff and I did some office work to organize database updates. I’m already doing my own updates for my aircraft, so I took on that role and knocked it out this evening. Jeff and I will go out in my airplane so I can show him the Avidyne IFD550 performance, and get my airplane some love while we are at it.
Looking forward to allot of flying in the new year.
Fly Safe Everyone!
Frank